Confusion has emerged among boxing followers after South African fighter Asemahle Wellem appeared in international bouts using Tanzania’s flag and national anthem, prompting speculation that he had switched nationality.
But authorities say there is no change of citizenship.
Officials from the Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC) have clarified that the WBO Africa light-heavyweight champion is competing under a Tanzanian boxing licence, a move that allows foreign fighters to be officially registered and recognised as local-based boxers.
TPBRC vice chairman Jacob Mbuya said the arrangement is fully compliant with international boxing regulations, provided all required procedures are followed.
“A foreign boxer can use a Tanzanian licence without any problem. The key requirement is to submit valid documents, including clearance from their home country’s boxing authority to confirm they are in good standing,” Mbuya explained.
According to him, Wellem applied for the licence in July last year and submitted all necessary documentation.
The commission also received confirmation from South African boxing authorities before approving his registration.
The clarification means Wellem remains a South African national but is legally competing under Tanzania’s jurisdiction.
Mbuya noted that the use of Tanzania’s flag and anthem is acceptable in such circumstances, especially when a fighter is based and operates from within the country.
“He lives and works in Tanzania, so representing the country in that capacity is not an issue,” he said.
The commission has, however, advised Wellem’s management to update his profile on BoxRec, the global boxing records platform, to reflect Tanzania as his base.
This would help avoid confusion for promoters and opponents who may otherwise seek clearance through South African authorities instead of TPBRC.
Under TPBRC regulations, a professional boxing licence costs Sh15,000 per year and must be renewed upon expiry for a boxer to remain eligible to compete.
Mbuya pointed to past cases to illustrate the practice, citing Tanzanian boxer Loren Japhet, who once competed under a Ghanaian licence for several years after following similar procedures.
The development highlights the fluid nature of professional boxing administration, where fighters can operate under different national commissions without altering their citizenship, depending on where they train, reside and are licensed.
